Organizing your Schedule

I know.  You read that blog title and thought..how in the world is this going to encourage me today?  I know. I get it..and it was a strange direction for me to take, but the more I thought about it the more I realized that it seemed to actually make sense.  Bear with me for a minute, because I do believe I can pull this into an encouraging post!

I have worked for years to develop a practical workable schedule that makes sense and helps me to get the most out of day.  On any given day, I am combining multiple work loads.  For instance, I homeschool a 7th and 10th grader, I currently write for 3 blogs, am editing my first novel, am finalizing proposals for 2 nonfiction books, writing devotionals for a work for hire project, growing my social media platforms with intentional posts, teaching piano lessons, shipping coffee orders, and writing book reviews.  I'm busy.

Sometimes the actual typing out of that list, makes me itchy and feeling stressed.  I juggle many hats and I do enjoy it, but I needed a systematic process to be sure I'm getting things done.

I enjoyed the following read today - take a moment to read it if you will!  Just click here

I also checked this article out - you can read it here

So what do you think?

I've always been a Stephen Covey - 15 minute segments for the day girl.  But I have found that my creative pursuits - Music, Writing, blogging etc. require a broader brush and limited distractions, i.e. Facebook, email, etc.

Perhaps there's a hybrid?  I believe this is what works best for me - housework, email, bills, homeschool, business needs all work within a 15 minute framework.  I accomplish a whole lot more around the house, if I'll schedule it in 15 minute blocks.  I can grade homeschool papers, tests and projects more quickly if I know it doesn't have to drag out all day - 15 minutes is an easy mental task.  But the creative work - writing, editing, all of these need a chunk of time.  I need to think and not shift my mind off course checking emails, twitter and Facebook updates.  Also texting and phone calls can veer my brain out of "creative" mode.

So how in the world does this fall under an "encouragement" umbrella?  Here's how..when we fail to plan, we plan to fail.  No not my original words, but such truth friends.  We all have good intentions, and have dreams inside.  Can I encourage you to plan it into your schedule?  What are your dreams, desires and goals?  what could you do with 2 hours at night after work, or when the kids are in bed to accomplish your dreams?

What could you do if you organized housework into a few 15 minute blocks per day? would that not reduce your stress?  Personally, any amount of stress reduction I can add into my day, adds quality to my life and encouragement that I need.

What works for you?  I'd love to have some feedback and I do hope that this does encourage you.

Here's my favorite verse that encourages my productivity

Ecc 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

https://medium.com/the-mission/why-deep-work-helps-you-get-more-done-in-less-time-39de3f5e9ae6#.31y9x51b6

Be an Encourager!

An encourager is one who by definition inspires others with hope, courage or confidence.  Don't you enjoy being around someone who is encouraging? Aren't they like a breath of fresh air? Perhaps you are naturally gifted in this area, and it's easy for you to speak kindness and encouragement into those around you.  If on the other hand you are like me, and you tend to see all that's wrong around us, you have to work at it some more.  Just like we work at being purposeful in our daily lives with our activities and goals, I would also like to propose that we be INTENTIONAL with choosing words of encouragement to be spoken to those around us.

Perhaps it's our family members that need to know they are doing a good job, or that they are appreciated for their hard work - don't just think those thoughts, be sure to speak them.

Maybe it's a co-worker, classmate or sweet friend who is battling a difficult time - depression, cancer, loss of a mate, failing grades - what can you do to encourage them through this trial?  Maybe it's just a verse of Scripture that means something special to you, or an inspiring quote that has been encouraging for you, will be just the thing that will encourage another person.

While each of us do not likely have the capacity to change the world, we do have the ability to change one person's day.  The opportunity to bring a smile, squeeze a hand or give a hug for one person is something that can spur others to action as well.  In that small action, we do have the capacity to be world changers.  All it takes is a little thought, a bit of openness to share and encourage.  Be light to someone in your world today!

Living lives filled with intention

Recently on my other blog, I wrote about the differences between good intentions and being intentional.  If you haven't read it yet, please check it out here http://lifelessonsinmyhead.com/good-intentions-vs-intentional/ While this blog post will be similar, I promise it's not exactly the same.  As women I find that we are often filled with incredible guilt.  This guilt comes in many forms, and sometimes I suppose can be well founded, but for me personally, the guilt I "feel" is 100% self induced and false.

• I'm not sure what you might feel guilt about, but perhaps you have had these thoughts in the past, or have them now.
• I'm not a good daughter, I don't spend enough time with my family.
• I'm not a good wife, I don't give my husband the respect he deserves.
• I'm not a good mother, I yelled at the kids today.
• I'm not a good housekeeper, my mother never had a messy house.

Should I continue?  I don't believe that God ever intended or desired us to live under such a heavy weight of guilt and shame.  Instead He desires that we live in victory and enjoy the life He's given us.

Most days I spend time praying that God will fill in the gaps in my kids lives that I am not filling.  I pray that He gives them what they need to become remarkable adults in His kingdom work.  I pray that my husband knows that I dearly love him, and treasure my life with him, even when I forget to show him how much he means.  I pray that a magic fairy will arrive at the house overnight and clean my home so I don't have to. Ok, ok not really, but a girl can dream right?

I pray that you will understand that this false guilt of should haves and should do's  is the enemy working to keep you defeated.  Being intentional in this arena of thought, means getting rid of the thoughts that weigh you down mentally.  Committing every thought to the Father, and asking Him to provide your every need.  May you know His strength and purpose today!

Don't forget the other wonderful resource of coloring pages available to you for daily download.  If you haven't checked it out yet, go here now! www.365fearnot.com